Trails and Greenways for Livable Communities

In many parts of the United States, poor community and regional planning has virtually eliminated what so many people desire: beautiful landscapes and open spaces. To counteract the effects of sprawling development, many communities use trails and greenways to curb ill-planned growth and preserve ecologically important areas. The result is a higher quality of life, a healthier environment and more livable communities.

This fact sheet, produced by the Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse (a joint project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and The Conservation Fund's American Greenways Program) delves further into these benefits of trails and greenways.